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Zelensky’s Landmark Visit to South Africa Aims to Reboot Ukraine-Africa Ties Amid Global Power Plays

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In a move that could reshape geopolitical alliances on the African continent, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in South Africa for a historic visit. The trip marks his first official visit to Africa since taking office in 2019 and signals a decisive shift in Ukraine’s diplomatic engagement with the continent.

Zelensky’s arrival is being closely watched not only by African nations but by global powers like Russia, China, and the United States. The timing is critical—Ukraine’s relationship with the U.S. has become strained since President Donald Trump’s return to office, and the war with Russia continues to exact a heavy toll at home.

“I’m sure that Russia will be annoyed by the visit, but I don’t think it can do much about it,” says Steven Gruzd of the South African Institute of International Relations.

A New Foreign Policy Era for Ukraine

Ukraine has been ramping up its diplomatic presence in Africa, doubling its number of embassies on the continent from 10 to 20 in the past three years. Zelensky’s visit is part of that broader pivot to engage with African powers and counterbalance Russia’s growing influence.

Political analyst Prof Siphamandla Zondi from the University of Johannesburg says Ukraine is seeking more than symbolic support.

“Wars aren’t only won on the battlefield, but also in the courts of public opinion. Ukraine needs legitimacy beyond Europe,” he explains.

Ramaphosa as Peacemaker

For South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, hosting Zelensky is both a diplomatic opportunity and a balancing act. Ramaphosa has previously attempted to mediate in the Russia-Ukraine war, including leading a delegation to both Kyiv and Moscow in 2023.

Now, he’s positioning South Africa as a credible broker for peace.

“We further committed to working together towards a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” Ramaphosa said after speaking to both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Yet, the visit could also complicate South Africa’s already tense relations with the Trump administration. Trump has criticized South Africa for its genocide case against Israel and for what he calls “unjust” treatment of the white-minority Afrikaner community—claims the Ramaphosa government strongly denies.

A Delicate Balancing Act

South Africa finds itself navigating a diplomatic minefield. On one hand, it maintains strong historic ties with Russia; on the other, it’s trying to prove its neutrality and broker peace. Trump, who has paused U.S. military aid to Ukraine and publicly denounced Zelensky, will likely view the visit through a skeptical lens.

“South Africa will want to explain that it is adding to global peace efforts, not competing with the U.S.,” says Prof Zondi.

Economic Interests at Stake

Beyond diplomacy, there are also economic motivations. South Africa’s economy is struggling with low growth and high unemployment. Strengthening trade with Ukraine—even at modest levels—could bring mutual benefits.

“South Africa could be Ukraine’s gateway to Africa because of its ports and financial systems,” Zondi added.

The Bigger Picture

This visit isn’t about choosing sides between Russia and Ukraine. Both nations are key grain exporters to Africa, and the continent needs stable relations with both. But Zelensky’s outreach could help Ukraine gain a stronger foothold in African diplomacy—an arena long dominated by Russia and China.

Whether or not it ruffles feathers in Moscow or Washington, the visit represents a significant diplomatic gamble by both leaders—and potentially, a turning point in Ukraine-Africa relations.

{Source: BBC}

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